Forest climb to second after holding firm against Watford

Billy Davies' side are seven points behind leaders QPR with two games in hand

Marcus TudgayÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s first-minute goal ensured Nottingham Forest climbed to second in the Championship after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against fellow promotion hopefuls Watford.

Billy DaviesÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ side now sit seven points behind leaders Queens Park Rangers with two games in hand and Saturday’s win maintains their unbeaten home record which now stretches to 34 league games.

QPR will host Davies’ side at Loftus Road next Sunday in what could prove a pivotal moment in the race for automatic promotion.

The Forest boss was happy with his side’s sixth successive victory despite missing several late chances to kill the game off.

“It was a superb three points against a very spirited Watford side today,” said Davies. “We were excellent in the first half, played with a good tempo and should have had scored more goals.Ã¢â‚¬Â

Watford handled their early setback well and grew in confidence as the half progressed. Lee Camp was called into action on a number of occasions in the Forest goal – the pick of the saves denying Watford full-back Lloyd Doyley who hit a dipping volley which looked destined to draw his side level, but Camp did well to turn the ball over the bar.

The second half seemed to pass Watford by a little as they struggled to create many meaningful opportunities. ForestÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s back four were dominant throughout with Luke Chambers and Wes MorganÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s partnership continuing to impress.

Chambers’ heading ability almost came to use at the other end after he headed a corner just wide as Forest looked to put the game to bed.

And substitute Nathan Tyson also had a chance to double ForestÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s lead but his shot was straight at Loach as TudgayÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s early strike proved enough to see the home side pick up maximum points.